Key facts

Just wanted to say thank you so much for all your work and help with our trip to South America, it was the most incredible and inspiring experience for both my Mum and myself.Mrs Nankervis

Things to do in Bolivia

We’ve put together a guide to the must-see sights of Bolivia, alongside more offbeat experiences.

La Paz & surrounds

The bustling city of La Paz, situated 3,500 metres above sea level, has a dramatic setting surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano (high plain), including snow-capped Mount Illimani. Colonial houses and modern buildings are interspersed with street markets, including the fascinating witches’ market, where ingredients used in indigenous rituals are sold alongside traditional handicrafts.

Lake Titicaca

Not far from La Paz, across the altiplano, lies the beautiful sapphire-blue Lake Titicaca, where small, traditional Aymara fishing and farming communities dot the shores and little islands.

The picturesque lakeside town of Copacabana is famous for the 16th-century shrine and its religious celebrations. A hydrofoil takes visitors to the Uros-Iruitos floating reed islands, a sustainable tourism project, and the legendary Moon and Sun Islands, with an Inca staircase and fountain whose sacred water is believed to give eternal youth and happiness.

Salar de Uyuni

The world’s largest salt flat is an otherworldly place with stunning scenery. Marvel at the contrast of brilliant white against blue sky and watch the horizon disappear after rains – the surface reflects the sky and clouds, leaving little cactus covered ‘islands’ to break up the shimmering expanse.

Sucre & Potosi

Sucre, a Unesco world heritage site, with its whitewashed colonial buildings, 16th century churches and relaxed atmosphere, is considered by many Bolivians to be their most beautiful city. It was here that the movement for independence began. The silver-mining town of Potosi, located at 4,070 metres, was once the largest and wealthiest city in the Americas. It still retains many beautiful colonial churches and public buildings.

Santa Cruz

Located in the hot and humid oil-rich eastern lowlands, Santa Cruz is Bolivia’s largest and most affluent city. Despite its size, it retains a small-town feel with a main square full of palm trees and some small but interesting museums.

Key facts

Capital:

La Paz (Bolivia)

Flying time from London:

18 hours

Time difference:

-4 GMT

Currency:

Boliviano

Official language(s):

Spanish

Visa requirements:

Not required for UK passport holders

Just wanted to say thank you so much for all your work and help with our trip to South America, it was the most incredible and inspiring experience for both my Mum and myself.Mrs Nankervis

Top things to do in Bolivia

Spend the night at the salt flats

Stay overnight on the Salar de Uyuni, and appreciate the incredible scenery of the world's largest salt flats. Stay on the edge of the flats in a hotel constructed entirely from salt, or stay in an exclusive airstream camper on the salt flats themselves – accompanied by your own driver and chef.

Stay on Lake Titicaca

Discover the Bolivian Amazon

Madidi National Park lies in the Amazon basin of northern Bolivia. This biodiversity hotspot covers almost 2 million hectares of largely untouched forest with countless endemic types of fauna and flora, including more than 1,000 bird species. Take guided jungle walks or canoe trips to learn about the rainforest and search for wildlife such as monkeys, tapirs, giant otters and jaguars.

Visit Jesuit missions

North-east of Santa Cruz lies former Jesuit mission towns, and visiting is worthwhile for anyone interested in history or architecture. In towns such as San Javier and Concepción, see beautifully restored churches that highlight the synthesis of Jesuit and indigenous culture.

Marvel at the Valley of the Moon

Nearby to the capital of La Paz is the desert landscape of the Valley of the Moon, with bizarre sandstone formations shaped by the wind.